2019/20

Sexual Health

Support & Useful Links - Sexual Health

Access your FREE local contraception and sexual health service

iCaSH is you nearest contraception and sexual health service at 39-41 Priestgate, Peterborough PE1 1JL or call 0300 300 3030.

Opening hours:

Monday: 09:00-19:30

Tuesday: 09:00-19:30

Wednesday: 09:00-19:30

Thursday: 09:00-19:30

Friday: 09:00-16:30

Saturday: 10:15-12:30

There are now a number of Pharmacies in Peterborough that can now issue Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC):

Lloyds Pharmacy PE2 5SD

Lloyds Pharmacy PE2 5RQ

Newborough Pharmacy PE6 7RG

Mi Pharmacy PE4 6NB

Botolph Bridge Pharmacy PE2 9RL

Millfield Pharmacy PE1 2PH

Useful links

The following links provide information about sexual health to help you.

Sexual health

1. Contraception

Contraceptive methods allow you to choose when and whether you want to have a baby. Barrier methods such as condoms are a form of contraception that help protect against both sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy. Contraception is free for most people in the UK. With 15 methods to choose from, you'll be able to find one that suits you best.

2. Emergency Contraception

Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or if your contraceptive method has failed – for example, a condom has split or you've missed a pill. There are two types the emergency contraceptive pill (sometimes called the morning after pill) and the IUD (intrauterine device, or coil). Both types of emergency contraception are effective at preventing pregnancy if they are used soon after unprotected sex.

There are now a number of Pharmacies in Peterborough that can now issue Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC):

Lloyds Pharmacy PE2 5SD

Lloyds Pharmacy PE2 5RQ

Newborough Pharmacy PE6 7RG

Mi Pharmacy PE4 6NB

Botolph Bridge Pharmacy PE2 9RL

Millfield Pharmacy PE1 2PH

3. Chlamydia

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK. It's passed on from one person to another through unprotected sex (sex without a condom) and is particularly common in sexually active teenagers and young adults. Almost 7 in every 10 people diagnosed with the condition were under 25 years old.

Testing for chlamydia is done with a urine test or a swab test. Anyone can get a free and confidential chlamydia test at a sexual health clinic, a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic or a GP surgery. People under 25 years old can also get tested by the National Chlamydia Screening Programme. This is often in places such as pharmacies, contraception clinics or colleges.

Chlamydia can usually be treated easily with antibiotics. You may be given some tablets to take all on one day, or a longer course of capsules to take for a week.

4. Gay Health

If you’re gay, lesbian or bisexual, by being aware of your health risks and having relevant health checks, you can stay healthy and reduce your risk of illness.

Gay men, lesbians and bisexual people have the same health needs as straight people. However, research shows that people with same-sex partners may have a higher risk of contracting certain conditions. Gay men, lesbian women and bisexual people may also be less likely to take advantage of screening and other health checks so health problems are not picked up as early as they could be.

5. HIV and Aids

The number of people with HIV in the UK is rising and according to Public Health England, around a quarter don't know they have the virus. HIV is spread through bodily fluids, such as semen or blood. It's most commonly passed on during unprotected sex, including oral and anal sex.

HIV attacks the immune system, the body's defence against infection and disease. This means someone with HIV has a higher risk of getting a serious infection or disease.

iCaSH is you nearest contraception and sexual health service at 39-41 Priestgate, Peterborough PE1 1JL or call 0300 300 3030.

Safe sex - use a condom

Using a condom is the best way to protect yourself from STIs and avoid unplanned pregnancy this festive season.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia, are passed from one person to another through unprotected sex or sexual contact. Using a condom is the best way to keep you safe from STIs. Be prepared and carry a condom - carrying a condom means you’re looking after your sexual health, not making judgements about anyone’s sexual history.

If used correctly every time you have sex, condoms are 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. If you haven’t used a condom or it slips off during sex, you should talk to a health professional about STI testing and emergency contraception.

You can get free condoms at the integrated Contraception and Sexual Health (iCaSH) clinic at Kings Chambers.

If you have any concerns about your sexual health or want to find out more about sexual health services, including STI testing, visit the iCaSH website or call 0300 300 3030.

The clinic is located at Kings Chambers, 39 – 41 Priestgate, Peterborough PE1 1JL and offers a range of services including condoms and other contraception, STI testing, emergency contraception, chlamydia testing, HIV testing and care, and support and advice. You can also visit your local GP or pharmacy for sexual health support and advice.

iCaSH is you nearest contraception and sexual health service at 39-41 Priestgate, Peterborough PE1 1JL or call 0300 300 3030.

STI check

If you have had sex without a condom, it’s a good idea to get yourself checked for sexually transmitted infections(STIs).

Most STIs, such as chlamydia, are treatable and the earlier you get tested and start treatment, the better. You can get tested at your GP or at the iCaSH clinic at Kings Chambers. You can make an appointment by calling 0300 300 3030.

You might feel embarrassed, but there's no need – the staff at these clinics are used to testing for all kinds of infections. It's their job and they won't judge you. They will do their best to explain everything to you and make you feel at ease.

If you have any concerns about your sexual health or want to find out more about sexual health services, including STI testing, visit the iCaSH website or call 0300 300 3030.

The clinic is located at Kings Chambers, 39 – 41 Priestgate, Peterborough PE1 1JL and offers a range of services including condoms and other contraception, STI testing, emergency contraception, chlamydia testing, HIV testing and care, and support and advice. You can also visit your local GP or pharmacy for sexual health support and advice.

iCaSH is you nearest contraception and sexual health service at 39-41 Priestgate, Peterborough PE1 1JL or call 0300 300 3030.

Free HIV postal testing

In support of National HIV Testing Week 2017, PHE have expanded availability of free HIV postal test kits to all areas of England. The additional tests will be available to order from now until Thursday 4 January 2018. Last year, more than 20,000 tests were ordered during a similar period and it is anticipated that even more will be distributed this year.

HIV postal test kits, or home sampling kits as they are also known, allow individuals to take a sample themselves at home by taking a finger-prick blood test. Unlike home testing kits, where the individual receives an immediate result, this postal test is then sent to a local laboratory for HIV testing and specialist management.

If a person has a reactive test result, they are contacted within five working days and given support options and information on where to get specialist services. Those with a negative result are contacted and informed within three days, or they can log in online using their unique personal code to check their results.

The national postal testing scheme complements existing HIV testing services. A postal test is highly accurate just four weeks after infection, and individuals who get a reactive result can get help in arranging a follow up clinical appointment. The scheme offers individual a viable alternative to testing in-person, and also provides the system major cost savings.